Dania Al Shamaa — Al Roeya
Mobile phones have become an essential and important part of people's lives. Some become anxious when their phones lose network coverage and they cannot make calls, making them more vulnerable to a pathological fear known as nomophobia. Treatment involves gradually increasing the time spent without a mobile phone.
A British study found that young people are the most affected, and women are more susceptible to episodes because they feel unsafe without a phone.
Psychologist Sahar Khoury said nomophobia is the fear of losing mobile network connectivity and of losing one's phone.
She explained that it is classified as a phobia because it causes panic attacks and persistent anxiety about the battery running out, repeated checking of text messages and email, and repeated efforts to ensure full, reliable network coverage.
Symptoms include an unhealthy attachment to phones and an inability to put them aside for a time. A person may keep the phone close while sleeping and even take it into the bathroom.
Technology expert Musab Al Ameri explained that when the ordinary fear of losing mobile coverage becomes pathological, it demonstrates an unhealthy immersion in and dependence on technology that makes a person its prisoner.
He added that most mobile phone users feel safer with their phones because they can overcome distances by asking for help from anywhere, documenting a situation, or checking on others without obstacles.
Information security expert Abdalnour Sami noted that excessive attachment to technology, network connectivity and social media affects perception, weakening a person's connection with nature and those around them.
Sami recommended using technology thoughtfully, avoiding total dependence on it, and configuring children's devices to limit internet use.
He said that organising a schedule to put priorities first, and using a phone only a limited number of times each day for specific purposes, would undoubtedly reduce excessive attachment to connectivity. It would also alleviate problems such as insomnia, low mood and inactivity, and improve efficiency and happiness.